Types of RNA

mRNA structure

Single stranded and easily broken down as it only exists whilst it is needed to manufacture proteins

mRNA function

Used to transfer the DNA code from the nucleus to the cytoplasm as mRNA is complementary to the DNA code also mRNA is small enough to pass through the nuclear pores. Once in the cytoplasm it associates with the ribosomes and is used to determine the sequence of amino acids during protein synthesis

Ribosomal RNA

Forms the two subunits in a ribosome along with proteins. When the ribosomes move along the mRNA strand during protein synthesis ribosomal RNA helps to catalyse the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids

Codon

Three bases (triplet) which code for a single amino acid

Non-overlapping

Each base is only read once to create a codon

Universal

The same codons code for the same amino acids in all organisms

Structure of transfer RNA

It’s a small molecule composed of 80 nucleotides that’s single stranded and folded into a clover leaf shape which one end of the chain slightly longer. The longer section is attached to an amino acid

Function of tRNA

Each tRNA can carry a different amino acid. The three bases at the opposite end of the tRNA are called an anticodon and each amino acid has a different one. The anticodon pairs with the complementary codon on mRNA